ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
218.83 cr Total Vaccine doses  have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
2,90,216 doses administered in last 24 hours
India's Active caseload currently stands at 33,318
Active cases stand at 0.07%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.74%
3,731 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to
4,40,39,883
2,468 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
89.61 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 1,87,511 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs 
Cabinet approves continuation of Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi  beyond March 2022 till December 2024
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today has approved the continuation of lending under the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi  beyond March 2022 till December 2024, with focus on enhanced collateral free affordable loan corpus, increased adoption of digital transactions and holistic socio-economic development of the Street Vendors and their families.
Through the Scheme, affordable collateral-free loans are being facilitated to the Street Vendors. The Scheme had envisaged to facilitate loans for an amount of Rs. 5,000 crore. Today’s approval has increased the loan amount to Rs. 8,100 crore, thereby providing the Street vendors working capital to further expand their business and making them AtmaNirbhar.
The budget for promotion of digital payments including cashback to the vendors has also been enhanced.
The approval is expected to benefit nearly 1.2 crore citizens of Urban India.
Under PM SVANidhi, significant achievements have already been made. As on April 25, 2022, 31.9 lakh loans have been sanctioned and 29.6 lakh loans amounting to Rs. 2,931 crore have been disbursed. As regards 2nd loan, 2.3 lakh loans have been sanctioned and 1.9 lakh loans amounting to Rs.385 crore have been disbursed. The beneficiary Street Vendors have conducted more than 13.5 crore digital transactions and have been given a cashback of Rs.10 crore. An amount of Rs.51 crore has been paid as Interest Subsidy.
The proposed extension of the Scheme has been necessitated as the circumstances that led to the launch of the Scheme in June 2020 i.e. the pandemic and related stress on the small businesses, have not fully retracted. The extension of lending till December 2024, would assist in institutionalizing the access to formal credit channels, provide an assured source of credit to help them plan their business expansion, increasing the adoption of digital transactions, reducing the impact of potential NPAs on the Lending Institutions and providing holistic socio-economic upliftment for the Street Vendors and their families.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Government implements schemes to set up 50 Solar Parks of aggregate capacity 40,000 MW in the country
The Government is implementing a scheme for setting up of 50 Solar Parks of aggregate capacity of 40,000 MW in the country. These parks are meant to provide developed infrastructure to facilitate installation of solar power projects. Central Financial Assistance of up to Rs. 25 Lakhs for preparation of Detailed Project Report and Rs. 20 Lakhs per MW or 30% of the project cost, whichever is lower, is provided for development of such Parks under the scheme.
This information was given by Shri R.K Singh, Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Calls for Focus on Bio Energy to Mitigate Air Pollution
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan participated in the India Gas Infrastructure Conference 2019 organised by FICCI, here today. Theme of the event was ‘Indian Gas Sector- Ushering in an era of growth’.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pradhan said, “25-30 years ago crude oil was the only priority of our exploration activities, but today the dynamics have changed. Gas has now become an important and essential part of our energy basket and is driving our energy transition.”
Talking about India’s transition towards gas based economy, Minister Pradhan said, “We are moving towards a gas based economy. Domestic production of gas in India is set to grow. We are investing $60 billion in gas based infrastructure. The speed and scale at which City Gas Distribution ecosystem in the country has grown in recent times is remarkable.”
Speaking about reforms in energy sector, Shri Pradhan said, “In the last 5 years, various reforms have been introduced to promote the growth of the gas sector in India, including, pricing & marketing freedom, diversification of fuel sourcing, etc.” He also said government is taking steps to develop infrastructure for pipe lines, city gas distribution and LNG terminals.
Speaking about market scenario, Shri Pradhan said, “Shift has happened in the market and focus has shifted from producer to consumer. We are working with the industry closely to create value for consumers. We must intensify our efforts to reach out to our people in the industrial clusters and give them a comparative analysis of the benefits of gas over conventional fuel, this will further improve people's awareness about gas and promote usage of gas, especially by our industries.”
Speaking about Bio energy, Minister Pradhan said, “Just like Natural Gas, Bio energy also possesses huge potential, especially in addressing the rising environmental concerns and providing a solution to the menace of air pollution. Bio energy will contribute significantly to the nation’s ambitious target of producing 450 GW of renewables.” Shri B.C. Tripathi, former CMD, Gail  Ltd. & Chairman, FICCI Hydrocarbons Committee and Shri Prashant Modi, MD & CEO, GEECL & Co-Chairman, FICCI Hydrocarbons Committee also addressed the gathering.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Nehru Yuva Kendra Panaji Organises webinar on Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Goa, December16, 2020
Nehru Yuva Kendra  Panaji, organised a Webinar between GOA and the paired state Jharkhand on language learning on 16th Dec 2020. Hanumant chopdekar ,HOD - Konkani Goa Vidyalaya Taleigao was the chief resource person. The webinar focussed on the unity in diversity of our country and how to maintain, strengthen the fabric of traditionally existing emotional bonds between the people.
The initiative ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ was announced by Hon'ble Prime Minister on 31st October, 2015 on the occasion of the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Through this innovative measure, the knowledge of the culture, traditions and practices of different states & UTs will lead to an enhanced understanding and bonding between the states, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of India. The webinar was coordinated by Mr. Nitish Manral ,District Youth Coordinator, Panaji.
VK/PK
Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai /PIBMumbai /pibmumbai pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com
(Visitor Counter : 120
Prime Minister's Office
PM attends convocation of Gujarat Forensic Sciences University
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today attended the convocation ceremony of the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University.
He described the University and its students as pioneers. He appreciated the students for their persistence in selecting a stream that is conventionally believed to be unconventional, but is highly important for today’s age. He said that these traits of self-belief and determination will help the students in times to come.
The Prime Minister said that a strong forensic science setup, helps in ensuring civic safety, and curbing crime, much the same way as an efficient police force and an effective judiciary.
The Prime Minister said that it is important for a person to fear the possibility that he is very likely to be caught, if he commits a crime. This is where forensic science becomes important, the Prime Minister said.
He complimented GFSU for creating an international human resource pool in the fields of criminal investigation and justice delivery. He said the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University is playing a decisive role in global security, through its training and education.
The Prime Minister spoke at length about the challenge of cyber crime, and the importance of strengthening forensics and cyber forensic labs in this context. He also mentioned the importance of forensic science in the insurance industry.
He urged forensic experts to use DNA profiling to assist the judicial system, in bringing culprits to book. He expressed confidence that in the coming times, we will be able to deter heinous crimes, including the crimes committed on women.
He called upon the students to be at the centre of changing trends across the globe.
He exhorted them to drive some of the progressive changes that make our world a better place. He wished all the graduating students a bright and vibrant future.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Drinking Water Facility In Tribal Areas
Since August 2019, Government of India, in partnership with States, is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission  to make provision of tap water supply to every rural household of the country, including those in tribal areas, by 2024. As reported by States, as on date, out of 212.19 lakh rural households in ST dominated areas, 82.84 lakh  rural households have been provided with tap water connection.
Further, 10% weightage is assigned for population residing in SC/ ST dominated areas, while allocating the fund, to prioritize the coverage in these areas.
Drinking Water being a State subject, it is States, who plan, design, approve and implement drinking water supply schemes. Government of India supplements the efforts of the States by providing technical and financial assistance. As such details of individual projects/ schemes for rural water supply projects are not maintained at the Government of India level.
However, under JJM, States/ UTs have been advised to explore technological interventions such as Solar energy based stand-alone water supply systems so as to reduce O&M charges and dependence of electric supply for scattered/ isolated/ tribal villages.
This Information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
AYUSH
Action Plan to Standardise Product of Ayush and Its Manufacturing Process
Government has formulated action-plan to standardization of Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy  medicines in the country, the Government has established Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy under the Ministry of AYUSH. The prime mandate of the Commission is to publish and revise Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India , Siddha Pharmacopoeia of India , Unani Pharmacopoeia of India  and Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India . The Pharmacopoeial standards are basic need to ensure quality, safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathic medicines. The Pharmacopoeia Commission is also responsible to publish and revise Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani official formularies and regulatory compendiums. These published standards become part of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945 for ascertaining the quality standards of Raw materials/drugs and implemented uniformly across India.
It is mandatory for the manufacturer of ASU&H drugs to obtain licence from the concerned State Licensing Authority  and comply with the prescribed Good Manufacturing Practices  and quality standards of drugs given in the respective Pharmacopoeias. The SLA grants the licence after verification of the required infrastructural facilities, equipment / machinery, manpower of the manufacturing unit through inspection conducted by the inspector. Government has also set up separate Central Research Councils for undertaking, promoting, coordinating research and scientific validation of Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathic medicines.
So far Government has published Ayurvedic Formulary of India  containing 986 Formulations, Siddha Formulary of India  containing 400 Formulations and National Formulary of Unani Medicine  containing 1230 Formulations. Monographs of quality standards of 645 Single drugs and 203 Formulations of Ayurveda; 139 Single drugs and 1 Formulation of Siddha; 298 Single drugs and 201 Formulations of Unani; and 1117 drugs of Homoeopathy .The Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy  has filed 8 patents and the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences  has obtained one patent, the Central Council for Research in Siddha  has processed for patent of 10 products during last five years.
This information was given by Minister of Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Culture
Ministry of Culture organizes special programme for trainee officers at the two day GI Mahotsav organized at LBSNAA
The Ministry of Culture is a partner Ministry at the two day Geographical Indication  Mahotsav being held in Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie. .A day long curated program involving plenary sessions anchored around GI products of India, artistic displays with GI textiles and spices, participatory art modules, handicraft displays along with a cultural programme was organized for trainee officers by the Ministry of Culture on 4th March, 2021.
GI products given their uniqueness and linkages to different parts of India in effect hold the potential & power to represent the ‘best in class’ embodiment of Atmanirbhar India.
This special programme for the trainee officers of LBSNAA is meant to be an overview into the world of artisans, design and GI products. The sessions covered topics ranging from legal implications of GI, artistic & design collaborations with GI crafts and more, andwould witness participation from legal, academic and design luminaries such as M.S.
Bharath , Dr Bessie Cecil , SharanApparo , Poonam Bhagat &Ishaan Khosla . The session will be moderated by ShreyankaBasu, Communication and Content Expert, Ministry of Culture.
A mini exhibition of GI Textiles is on showcase coveringa wide range of saris connected to GI textile such as PatanPatola, Benaras Brocades, UppadaJamdani, Kalamkari, Paithani, Kota Doria, PochampallyIkat etc. and brings alive the exquisite weaving and design traditions of India
An art installation titled Sacred Spices is also on display conceptualized by NID alumnus, artist and sculptor Shirley Bhatnagar. This art work brings to attention- Haldi, Tejpatta, ByadgiChilli and Basmati rice-some daily ingredients that have been part of Sacred Indian culinary space for a long time and now have been awarded the GI tag, thus bringing to global attention to the quintessential traditional Indian knowledge.
The artisan corner showcasesKangra Paintings by master artist Dhani Ram from Himachal Pradesh, Phulkari embroidery by Seema Rani from Punjab and Bilal Mohammad’s Bagh printing work from Madhya Pradesh all of whom are GI registered artists.
The evening of 4th March, saw a choreographed presentation involving various dance forms ,75 artists connected to some of the regions that have GI product linkages across India such as Purulia Chau , KinnauriNati , Rathwa Dance , Kashmiri Rouff Dance , BrijRas/ Barsanakiholi . The entire function is being coordinated by the North Zone Cultural Center, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture.
NB/SK
(Visitor Counter : 699
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Film is the art to express your thoughts lying within: Eminent Director Nagraj Manjule
“Unlike everyone I never used to like rain as a child, because they created a sense of fear in me; through this film I wanted to express the inner emotion I had for rain, " Director Nagaraj Manjule spoke to the press about his short film An Essay on Rain which was screened, under International Category at MIFF2020 ,with a packed audience.
This is his second short film after Pistulya which was also in Marathi. "Sometimes you don't hunt for subjects; instead the subject will find you. When you see a beautiful sunset you show it to your friend nearby. Making films is also similar. I wanted to show what impressed me", he said about how he chooses a subject for his film.
The film was shot in a village near Pune. “I wanted to shoot when it rains in real. Hence our crew ventured into remote areas to capture rain shots which was hectic and tough. Infact this film is the toughest one I have ever shot so far,” he added.
KS/RT/DL/PM
(Visitor Counter : 184
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people of Goa on Statehood Day
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people of Goa on Goa Statehood Day.
“Greetings to the people of Goa on Goa Statehood Day. I pray for Goa's progress and prosperity in the years to come”, the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Finance
Entrepreneurs availed over 29.55 crore loans of Rs. 15.52 lakh crore under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana  since 2015
More than 6.80 crore loans of Rs. 5.20 lakh crore extended to New Entrepreneurs/Accounts
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana  and Stand-Up India Scheme  are the flagship Schemes implemented by Department of Financial Services  for extending loans to entrepreneurs. This was stated by Union Minister of State for Finance Dr Bhagwat Kisanrao Karad in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Under PMMY, institutional credit up to Rs. 10 lakh is provided by Member Lending Institutions  for entrepreneurial activities to micro/small business units, including for new enterprises, which help in creating income generating activities in sectors such as manufacturing, trading, services and activities allied to agriculture. Government allocates annual targets regarding the amount to be sanctioned under PMMY to MLIs. For the current financial year , a target of sanction of Rs. 3.00 lakh crore has been fixed for MLIs.
The Minister stated that as per data uploaded by Member Lending Institutions  on Mudra portal, as on 31.03.2021, over 29.55 crore loans amounting to Rs. 15.52 lakh crore have been sanctioned under PMMY across the country, since inception of the Scheme in April, 2015. Of these, more than 6.80 crore loans amounting to Rs. 5.20 lakh crore have been extended to New Entrepreneurs/Accounts.
Giving details of the other flagship scheme, Stand-Up India , the Minister said that it facilitates bank loans between Rs.10 lakh and Rs.1 crore to at least one Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe borrower and at least one Woman borrower per bank branch of Scheduled Commercial Banks for setting up greenfield enterprises in manufacturing trading or services sector and activities allied to agriculture.
The Minister stated that bank-wise  details regarding the number of loans sanctioned to new entrepreneurs during each of the last three years and current year in respect of PMMY and SUPI are placed at Annexure-I and Annexure-II respectively.
The Minister also stated that the Government takes measures on complaints received from time to time in respect of implementation of PMMY & SUPI, including turning down of loan applications or non-release of funds, are redressed in coordination with the respective banks.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Implementation of the “National Rural Economic Transformation Project under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission 
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Implementation of an Externally Aided Project namely “National Rural Economic Transformation Project  under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission  through loan assistance  from World Bank.
Benefits:
The technical assistance provided by NRETP and the higher level interventions facilitated by the project will enhance the livelihoods promotion and access to finance and scale-up initiatives on digital finance and livelihood interventions.
Salient features:
DAY-NRLM lays special emphasis on targeting the poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable communities and their financial inclusion. Innovative projects will be undertaken under NRETP to pilot alternate channels of financial inclusion, creating value chains around rural products, introduce innovative models in livelihoods promotion and access to finance and scale-up initiatives on digital finance and livelihoods interventions. DAY-NRLM provides for mutually beneficial working relationship and formal platforms for consultations between Panchayati Raj Institutions  and Community Based Organizations. NRLM has also developed activity map to facilitate convergence in different areas of interventions where NRLM institutions and PRIs could work together which has been disseminated to all state Rural Livelihood Missions.
AKT/SH
(Visitor Counter : 1283
Ministry of Defence
4th Synergy Conference between Indian Army & Defence Accounts Department held in New Delhi
Discussion on timely implementation of pay & allowances system for Agniveers
Fourth Synergy Conference between Indian Army and Defence Accounts Department  was held in New Delhi on June 28, 2022. The day-long conference was co-chaired by Vice Chief of Army Staff  Lt Gen BS Raju & Controller General of Defence Accounts  Shri Rajnish Kumar and attended by senior officers of Indian Army and DAD.
The primary agenda of the conference included deliberations on AGNIPATH scheme and the schedule for timely implementation of a system for pay and allowances for Agniveers. Other agenda items included improving the functioning of Pay and Accounts Offices  for better service delivery to Junior Commissioned Officers/Other Ranks of the Indian Army. Concrete action plans for the future were devised in consultation with senior officers of both sides.
The CGDA shared the vision of the department to leverage the power of technology to improve service delivery for the Armed Forces and deploy innovative business process re-engineering to fundamentally change the system of bill-processing and payments. He outlined the various initiatives of DAD such as DARPAN  and the upcoming Centralised Pay System. He also highlighted the support needed from the Army side for successful achievement of the objectives.
The VCOAS appreciated the various initiatives being implemented by DAD. He urged the senior officers of the Indian Army and DAD to work in close coordination to solve various issues of internal audit and payment. He spoke of the need to identify the costing and expenditure profile for the units and formations to help aid decision-making and better management of defence budget. He recognised the important role played by Indian Defence Accounts Service officers in guiding the Indian Army at arriving at critical financial decisions and ensuring financial discipline through Accounting and Audit Function.